Four Success Strategies for Online Learning

1. Manage Your Time

Find a way to track assignments and study time that works for you. Maybe keep a calendar, use the notes app on your phone, or record items in a notebook.
If a course outline is available, enter due dates in your assignment/study tracker. If not, enter assignments and due dates when they’re provided in class. A calendar with reminders for study or work time prior to the deadline works great.
Use your assignment/study tracker to create a to-do list and decide exactly what work needs to be done during planned study times.
When are you most awake and able to focus? Schedule your most challenging tasks during that time whenever possible.

Think about the kinds of things that distract you while you’re studying or working on an assignment.
If noise is distracting, reduce background noise by turning off the T.V. or music.
If notification sounds or having your phone or other electronic devices nearby is too tempting, consider silencing them or putting them somewhere that allows you to focus on your work.
Tell others that you are studying so they know not to interrupt you.

For bigger projects or preparing for tests, breaking them down into smaller steps or sections to review can make it feel more manageable.
Do the easy task first! Starting with the easiest or quickest thing first can feel like a ‘small win’ and is great motivation to accomplish more.
Invite a classmate or friend to study together and encourage each other to stay on task.
Sharing your deadlines with family and friends may help you stay accountable for meeting the deadlines.
Plan a reward as motivation to finish a challenging task, or a series of smaller rewards for each step of a larger project.

Make a comfortable study space for yourself. Being uncomfortable while trying to study makes it harder to concentrate.
Do you have everything you need? Make sure your study space has the things you need to work, including any course materials and a stable internet connection.
A wall calendar in your study area or alerts set on an online calendar can help with keeping yourself on schedule for study time and classes.